The Chase Charlie Run saw record turn out Saturday, with a total of 715 participants, more than the event has seen in the past 12 years.
The event that boasted the greatest difference was the Kiddie 100, with about 200 kids running across the football field. But the 5k had the most participants of any race, with 351 racers.
David Pierce, event director and associate professor of sport administration, gave the credit for the race's success to his Sport Event Management 402 class, which put together the event in just five weeks.
"I think the students in my class are doing a great job getting the word out and doing a good job marketing the event." Pierce said. "There's always things that can be improved, but they only get one shot to get it right, and I would give them an A for what they did Saturday."
The Mile Mania also had increased participation, although not as drastic, with three elementary schools participating because of the teacher incentive program.
Although Cowen won the school participation award for the fourth year in a row, Royenton and Selma Elementary also had students running.
Fourth graders Noah Brookling and Logan Eller enjoyed the event as first time runners and best friends from Selma Elementary school.
"I like to run with my dad and my best friend Logan, so I can get my energy right," Brookling said.
Eller said, "I just thought it would be fun. Our gym teacher told us about it."
Cowen gym teacher Jill Brand said she is proud of all of her students for dedicating their Saturday morning to being active.
Parents also were there to cheer on their children and encourage them to make healthy decisions.
Cowen mother Pam Bandy has been coming to Mile Mania to cheer on her son Ashton Bandy for the past four years.
"We love it. We do it every year," Bandy said. "It promotes the kids to get out and run and be healthy. [Ashton] wanted to place [in the top 10] this year, and he did. I think it's fun, and I think it's awesome that Ball State puts on this event."
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